ONE OF THE MORE fascinating aspects of instrumental music is its ability to mesmerize and enthrall its listeners, at times evoking strong emotions, with non-vocal sounds. While we have all heard the familiar notes of pianos, violins, trumpets, and the like, no instrument is more hauntingly beautiful than the little-known glass harp.
Look for Robert Tiso, virtuoso glass harpist, to change that:
What Mr. Tiso manages to do with a few glass cups and some water is nothing short of amazing. He dazzles spectators with a flawless technique and very convincing interpretations of well-known classical works, all the while demonstrating an artistic understanding held only by musicians of the highest caliber.
Take, for example, this impressive performance of "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" from The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky. In the span of 2 minutes, this superb artist accomplishes what other musicians—try as they may—rarely achieve. With the mysterious, other-worldly voice of the glass harp, he weaves a colorful aural tapestry which envelopes the listener and blocks off the outside world, creating an experience where one feels as if the composer himself is present, the musical thoughts of Tchaikovsky articulated through the fingers of Robert Tiso.
As a result Mr. Tiso, in effect, ends up playing us, tugging at our heartstrings and thereby influencing our emotions. He is able to make us laugh, love, cry, and long for more with a simple motion of his hands, proving that the glass harp needs to speak more often.
I have been following Robert's work for the last couple of years and just love it.
ReplyDeleteI know he lives in Italy and am not sure if he tours in overseas, but if he does I would pay whatever the cost of a ticket to see him play in Victoria British Columbia.
His music is Magical.